Canalicchio di Sopra - Brunello di Montalcino DOCG - Cru Vigna Montosoli - 2019

98/100 points Parker, magnificent Cru Brunello from one of the best vineyards from the five-star 2019 vintage

Bright ruby ​​red wine, with garnet glints. On the nose, the wine gives intense complex scents with notes of ripe red cherries, raspberries and plums, complemented by floral nuances of violets and subtle earthy tones. Herbs such as thyme, liquorice and white pepper give extra depth, while a hint of tobacco and leather reflects the maturation in wood. On the palate, the Montesoli 2019 has an excellent structure, with silky yet powerful tannins. The wine is rich and layered, with a lively acidity that provides freshness and elegance. The long, mineral finish is characterized by notes of dark chocolate, dried herbs and a subtle balsamic touch.

The Montosoli vineyard is one of the most prestigious crus in Montalcino and is located in the north of the appellation. This vineyard benefits from a unique combination of climate, location and soil. The soil is mainly a mix of galestro (weathered slate), clay and sandstone, which provides excellent drainage and a refined minerality in the wine. The Sangiovese vines in the Montosoli vineyard of Canalicchio di Sopra are on average 25 to 40 years old. This ensures a low yield per hectare, which gives the wine a deep concentration and complex aromas.

The 2019 vintage is considered an excellent, five-star vintage in Montalcino. A cool winter and a temperate spring ensured balanced vegetative growth. The summer was warm but not excessively hot, and the large temperature differences between day and night helped preserve the freshness and aromatic complexity of the grapes. Harvest took place in late September to early October, with perfectly ripe grapes showing a harmonious balance between acidity and tannins.

Fermentation takes place in the traditional way in stainless steel tanks, using only indigenous yeasts to bring out the best of the Sangiovese character. The wine is then aged for 36 months in large Slovenian oak barrels, followed by several months of bottle ageing before release. This long ageing process ensures an elegant tannic structure and a complex development of aromas.

About Canalicchio di Sopra:
Canalicchio di Sopra was founded in 1962 by Primo Pacenti and has played a prominent role in the wine-growing history of Montalcino ever since. The winery produced its first bottle of Brunello di Montalcino in 1966 and was one of the twelve founding members of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino in 1967. The estate covers a total of 60 hectares, of which 19 hectares are planted with vineyards and 2 hectares with olive groves.

The vineyards are divided between two different zones in Montalcino: Canalicchio di Sopra and Le Gode di Montosoli. This variation in exposure and soil type contributes to the complexity and diversity of the Sangiovese wines produced. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the winery has been managed by the third generation of the family, who combine modern technologies with respect for traditional methods and nature.

This dedication to both innovation and tradition has established Canalicchio di Sopra as one of the most respected producers in the region.

98/100 points Robert Parker

This is a gorgeous wine that really takes off in this vintage. It starts off with gentle floral aromas of lilac or dried violet and a hint of fragrant rose. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli boasts an impeccable nose with elegant berry fruit and light minerality. All this beauty is transferred to the palate, where the wine shows very fine-grained tannins. The fruit flows steadily over a long, rich finish. The challenge is to get a fruit finish this long, considering Brunello's strong tannins, but this wine definitely succeeds.

96/100 points James Suckling

Aromas of sweet berries, flowers, sandalwood and ink follow through to a medium body with firm, silky tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Savory at the end. Linear and racy. Best in two or three years and onwards.